Full Breakdown
Lebanon Faces Threat of Israeli Military Operation
12/13/2025, 3:31:36 AM
Warnings of Imminent Conflict
Lebanon's Foreign Minister Youssef Raji has announced that the country has received warnings from Arab and international parties regarding Israel's preparations for a large-scale military operation against Lebanon. In an interview with Al-Jazeera, Raji emphasized that Beirut is intensifying diplomatic efforts to protect its territory and facilities from potential Israeli strikes. This warning comes amid escalating Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, including a recent attack on a training compound of Hezbollah's elite Radwan forces.
Diplomatic Efforts and Ceasefire Violations
Raji stated that Lebanon is seeking to return to the Armistice Agreement established in 1949, which ended the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. He expressed skepticism about the prospects for a peace treaty with Israel, noting that current diplomatic engagements should not be misconstrued as traditional negotiations. The Lebanese government has been critical of Hezbollah's refusal to disarm, with Raji asserting that the group's weapons have not effectively supported Gaza or defended Lebanon, contributing instead to the Israeli occupation.
Despite a ceasefire agreement reached in November 2024, which required Israel to withdraw from Lebanese territory, Israeli forces have remained at several sites, violating UN Security Council Resolution 1701. Reports indicate that Israel has conducted thousands of violations since the ceasefire's implementation, raising concerns about national stability in Lebanon.
Criticism of Iranian Influence
Raji has also criticized Iran's role in Lebanon, describing its influence as destabilizing. He urged Tehran to cease funding Hezbollah, which he referred to as an "illegal organization." Raji's remarks highlight the Lebanese government's efforts to distance itself from Iranian influence while maintaining open channels for dialogue, contingent upon Iran's non-interference in Lebanese affairs.
Upcoming Diplomatic Engagements
In the coming weeks, significant diplomatic meetings are anticipated, including discussions involving Lebanese army commander Rodolphe Haykal in Paris and U.S. special envoy Morgan Ortagus. These meetings are expected to address Lebanon's military needs and the ongoing tensions with Israel. Amid these developments, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has prioritized the return of prisoners held by Israel, indicating ongoing negotiations for their release.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Raji's statements reflect a unified concern regarding Israeli military actions, there are conflicting reports about the extent of Hezbollah's disarmament. Some sources claim that 80% of Hezbollah's weapons south of the Litani River have been dismantled, while Raji acknowledges the group's continued refusal to fully disarm. Additionally, the U.S. position on Lebanon remains ambiguous, with mixed signals regarding its influence over Israeli actions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are intensifying our diplomatic contacts to protect Lebanon and Lebanese facilities from any Israeli strike,” — Youssef Raji, Lebanese Foreign Minister
- “Hezbollah's weapons have proven ineffective in supporting Gaza and defending Lebanon,” — Youssef Raji, Lebanese Foreign Minister
- “Iran’s regional policy is a source of instability,” — Youssef Raji, Lebanese Foreign Minister
As tensions rise and diplomatic efforts continue, Lebanon faces a critical juncture in its relations with Israel and its internal security dynamics.